Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Across Arizona, communities unite to celebrate with parades that are steeped in patriotism and local tradition. Here’s a look at the top 20 Memorial Day parades throughout the state, all taking place on Monday, May 27, complete with essential details on times, locations, and highlights.
Phoenix Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Central Avenue, starting at Bethany Home Road and ending at Indian School Road.
Highlights: Features veterans’ organizations, marching bands, and a flyover by Luke Air Force Base.
Tucson Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Tucson, starting at Stone Avenue and ending at Armory Park.
Highlights: Includes vintage military vehicles, local school bands, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Mesa Memorial Day Parade
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Center Street, from University Drive to First Avenue.
Highlights: Local veterans groups, ROTC units, and a special tribute to fallen soldiers.
Scottsdale Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Scottsdale Road, from Osborn Road to Indian School Road.
Highlights: Patriotic floats, military honor guards, and a community picnic following the parade.
Tempe Memorial Day Parade
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Mill Avenue, starting at Tempe Town Lake and ending at Arizona State University.
Highlights: University bands, military displays, and speeches by local dignitaries.
Glendale Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Glendale Avenue, starting at 59th Avenue and ending at Murphy Park.
Highlights: Historical reenactments, local veterans’ organizations, and a flyover by the Arizona Air National Guard.
Chandler Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Arizona Avenue, from Chandler Boulevard to Frye Road.
Highlights: Community floats, marching bands, and a memorial service at Veterans Oasis Park.
Flagstaff Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: San Francisco Street, starting at Birch Avenue and ending at Wheeler Park.
Highlights: Northern Arizona University band, veterans’ groups, and a flag-raising ceremony.
Gilbert Memorial Day Parade
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Gilbert Road, from Guadalupe Road to Elliot Road.
Highlights: Classic car displays, local high school bands, and a commemorative event at Gilbert Historical Museum.
Prescott Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Montezuma Street, from Goodwin Street to Courthouse Plaza.
Highlights: Pioneer reenactors, veterans’ motorcycle clubs, and a memorial service at the courthouse.
Peoria Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Peoria Avenue, from 83rd Avenue to Peoria Sports Complex.
Highlights: Military bands, local civic groups, and a ceremony at the sports complex.
Surprise Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Bullard Avenue, from Paradise Lane to Surprise Stadium.
Highlights: School bands, veterans’ organizations, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Yuma Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Main Street, from 1st Avenue to 6th Street.
Highlights: Local military units, historical vehicles, and a ceremony at Gateway Park.
Kingman Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Beale Street, from Grandview Avenue to Locomotive Park.
Highlights: Community floats, veterans’ groups, and a memorial service.
Sierra Vista Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Fry Boulevard, from 7th Street to Veterans Memorial Park.
Highlights: Local school bands, military displays, and a commemorative event at the park.
Casa Grande Memorial Day Parade
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Florence Boulevard, from Peart Road to Trekell Road.
Highlights: Community floats, military honor guards, and a flag-raising ceremony.
Lake Havasu City Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: McCulloch Boulevard, from Acoma Boulevard to Wheeler Park.
Highlights: Patriotic displays, veterans’ organizations, and a memorial service at Wheeler Park.
Bullhead City Memorial Day Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hancock Road, from Highway 95 to Riverview Drive.
Highlights: Local civic groups, military vehicles, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Marana Memorial Day Parade
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Marana Main Street, from Civic Center Drive to Marana Heritage River Park.
Highlights: Community floats, school bands, and a memorial service at the park.
Nogales Memorial Day Parade
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Grand Avenue, from Crawford Street to City Hall.
Highlights: Local veterans’ groups, historical reenactments, and a commemorative ceremony at City Hall.
These parades offer a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Whether you’re looking for a parade near you or planning to visit a new town, these events are sure to provide a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day experience.